Creating a BAFTA nominated online game for CBBC was child's play

Campaign Summary

Who let the dogs out? Brass did! When the BBC wanted a new platform for their CBBC characters, Hacker and Dodge, they turned to us to create a fun online game for the puppy puppets. Seamlessly mixing live action, musical interaction and a Wigan talent show(!) our solution really captured kids' imaginations and took these much loved characters where no hound has been before.

The Brief

The BBC had been searching for innovative interactive content for both CBBC and CBeebies, the top children's TV channels. Once they met the Brass team, the BBC was so impressed they gave us complete freedom to lead Hacker and Dodge into new digital territory, effectively extending the Hacker and Dodge brand online. The only steer was that the game should have a strong musical theme. Not a problem when you consider we have a dog-mad, in-house music composer!

The Approach

Whoever said 'never work with animals or children' was way off the mark. From day one the BBC trusted us completely with Hacker and Dodge. Brass generated the idea, scripts, direction, music and gameplay, plus the live action elements which were filmed over two days in Television Centre with the original puppeteers.

Our team wanted to create a game that enabled kids to interact with their favourite characters on a personal level, something that TV simply doesn't allow. Kids can directly control the actions of the puppets, breaking new ground in childrens games.

The game, which works seamlessly online was a technical challenge: 6 different levels and types of music must perform smoothly with the live action - ensuring that Hacker can switch from playing sausages to a cheese grater without missing a beat!

The Result

The game has been extremely well received, recieving a BAFTA nomination, and has extended the Hacker and Dodge brand into new IP areas (music) online.

Damian Kavanagh, CBBC controller said, "The collaborative approach taken between Brass, the producers and performers has created a fantastic product that kids love and which gives Hacker and Dodge a completely new platform. It is a clear sign of the opportunities that exist for TV character properties as they continue to develop and grow in the digital space."

To see the game in full, have a go! Join Hacker & Dodge's band and play Pup Stars.